Summertime Adventures: Top Five Family-Friendly Hikes in Utah

Hoping to plan some fun outdoor adventures for the whole family this summer? Lucky for you, there are thousands of miles of great hiking trails to explore in Utah—from hikes leading to waterfalls and natural bridges to panoramic lake views, Utah has something to offer all outdoor enthusiasts. And with plenty of sunshine in the forecast, it’s officially time to get active in the great outdoors.

Here’s a countdown of our top five picks for fun summer hiking trails in Utah:

Silver Lake: Located at the head of Big Cottonwood Canyon at 8,760 ft, this hiking destination caters to families during the warmer months with an easily accessible mile-long trail with plenty of picnic tables and fishing access points along the way. Bonus point? The hiking trail is in full bloom during the summer, with thousands of beautiful wild flowers covering the grounds. Want to plan your hike ahead of time? Check out specifics here.

Dog Lake: As its name suggests, any and all pups are welcome to join in on the fun as long as they’re kept on their leash. While this 2.5-mile hike from Mill Creek Canyon gets a little hilly at times, there are plenty of scenic views of the lake and meadows along the way to keep the little ones going. Once you make it up the hill, Dog Lake is a great place to sit down with the family and have a summer picnic. Click here to plan your next hike to Dog Lake.

Navajo Loop and Queen’s Garden Trail: If you’re looking for beautiful canyon views, then this hike will not disappoint! This 3.5-mile trail provides stunning floor views of the hoodoos formations of Bryce Canyon. Learn more about the trail’s best hiking points here. Tip: This hiking trail can be especially hot during the summer, so be sure to pack plenty of water and snacks for the hike.

Adams Canyon Waterfall Trail: With waterfalls galore, Adams Canyon Waterfall Trail in Davis County is the perfect place to bring the family to beat the summer heat. This three-mile hike features several waterfalls with beautiful white pines and greenery along the way. The trail also allows dogs on leashes and leads to the 40-foot Adams Waterfall for those that make it to the top. Wondering what to expect? Check out a video of the hiking trail along with additional information here.

The Narrows: Earning the top spot in our hiking trail count down is The Narrows. Known to be one of the most popular canyon hikes in Zion Park, The Narrows is fun for hikers of all abilities. And the best part? The trail is literally the Virgin River (yes we said river), which makes it easy for hikers to stay cool throughout the entire trek. It’s like the world’s best creek-stomping! With a sixteen-mile long trail, serious hikers can venture out on a long day hike while families can venture out as far as they feel comfortable. Curious about how this river hike works? Check out hiking details here.